Best Colleges for Music
Colleges known for music offer a diverse range of programs to cater to students with varying musical interests and career goals. Some common types of programs include undergraduate degrees in music performance, music education, music theory/composition, music production, and music therapy. Additionally, many music colleges offer graduate programs such as Master of Music (MM) degrees, Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees, and Ph.D. programs in various specialties.
Music colleges often have specialized programs in jazz studies, music technology, ethnomusicology, and music business, among others. Students can also find certificate programs, artist diplomas, and professional development programs tailored to instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, conductors, and music educators.
Beyond traditional academic programs, music colleges frequently provide comprehensive pre-college or youth programs for young musicians to receive training, ensemble experience, and music education outside of a formal degree-seeking track.
Overall, music colleges offer a rich array of programs designed to develop students as performers, scholars, educators, and industry professionals within the diverse and dynamic field of music.
Here are some colleges and universities that are widely known for their exceptional music programs:
Juilliard School: Located in New York City, Juilliard is renowned worldwide for its rigorous training in music, dance, and drama. Its music program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance, composition, and music education.
Curtis Institute of Music: Located in Philadelphia, Curtis is one of the most selective conservatories in the world, offering tuition-free education to all admitted students. It focuses exclusively on music education and provides intensive training in performance and composition.
Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester): Situated in Rochester, New York, Eastman is a prestigious conservatory known for its strong emphasis on classical music. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, and music education.
Berklee College of Music: Located in Boston, Berklee is one of the largest and most renowned contemporary music schools globally. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, production, and music business.
New England Conservatory (NEC): Located in Boston, NEC is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, and music education, with a focus on classical and contemporary music.
University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music: Situated in Los Angeles, USC Thornton offers a comprehensive range of programs in music performance, composition, jazz studies, and music education. It is known for its strong faculty and connections to the entertainment industry.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Jacobs School of Music is one of the largest and most comprehensive music schools in the United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, music education, and music technology.
Oberlin Conservatory of Music: Situated in Oberlin, Ohio, Oberlin Conservatory is known for its innovative programs and interdisciplinary approach to music education. It offers undergraduate programs in performance, composition, music education, and jazz studies.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance: Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, music education, and musicology. It is known for its renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University: Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Peabody Institute is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, music education, and recording arts.
These colleges and conservatories are recognized for their outstanding faculty, resources, facilities, and alumni success, making them top choices for students pursuing music education and careers in the music industry.
